CWGC to restore iconic Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

In early 2023 the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will start the restoration of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. The memorial to the Missing commemorates over 54,000 Commonwealth servicemen by name who died during the First World War and whose graves remain unknown.

To preserve the WW1 Memorial, an in-depth restoration is required and has been granted a reserved premium of 1.6 million Euros from the Flemish Government, as well as 300,000 Euros from the City of Ieper with a full restoration in time for its centenary in 2027.  

The works will be detailed, requiring extensive scaffolding allowing us to clean and repair all natural stone elements and repoint the brick façades. New waterproof roofing will be installed, as well as necessary works to the cellars, stair towers, ceilings and bronze oculi. All works will be in line with our conservation, sustainability and accessibility policies, however this detailed work will unfortunately result in the essential closure of the Memorial to our visitors for the entire duration of the works.  

Whilst the memorial is closed for renovation, visitors will be still able to see the names of the missing via our Virtual Menin Gate. This allows the viewer to reach the remotest of panels on the monument and can be found at our CWGC information centre in the Menenstraat and online at www.cwgc.org, You can also visit the Menin Gate Exhibition on the ramparts in Ieper. The daily Last Post Service at 8pm will continue to take place, although its location will sometimes be altered to the front of the Memorial. 

The Last Post ceremony © Toerisme Ieper.

We will be giving updates on how the renovation is progressing, so please visit our website at www.cwgc.org or our social media pages for the latest information.

Geert Bekaert, director of the CWGC in Central and Southern Europe said:
“Lord Plumer said at the inauguration in 1927: "He is not missing, he is here." With this restoration work, the CWGC renews this promise to all Commonwealth victims and their next of kin. The financial support of the Flemish Government and the City of Ypres helps us to keep the Menin Gate in best condition for future generations. Every day the people of Ypres continue to express gratitude with the Last Post Ceremony. The Menin Gate is therefore the link - the gateway, as it were - between the different nations, peoples and cultures that meet here." 

Unveiling of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium, by Lord Plumer, 24 July 1927.